New Mexico is a beautiful western state that is home to sprawling deserts and cities such as Santa Fe and Albuquerque, as well as a number of more off-the-beaten-path attractions!
Here are 8 hidden gems to check out the next time you find yourself traveling through New Mexico:
1. The Blue Hole Of Santa Rosa
The Blue Hole of Santa Rosa is located along Route 66 and is an excellent place for those who enjoy scuba diving.
New Mexico may not be the first place to come to mind when you think of diving spots, but this pristine, sapphire-colored lake challenges that assumption.
If you want to scuba dive, a scuba certification, as well as a pass to the Blue Hole specifically, is required.
However, the location also has swimming hours during the summer for those who aren’t interested in diving!
2. Riverbend Hot Springs
This option is both a great way to spend an afternoon as well as an option for a place to spend the night. Riverbend Hot Springs is home to a relaxing set of hot springs situated along the Rio Grande River.
There are multiple ways to enjoy them, including reserving a pass for a 50-minute session in the main pools, renting a private pool, or staying overnight at one of their cabins or rooms for unlimited access to the springs.
Reservations of your choice can be made online.
3. Meow Wolf’s House Of Eternal Return
This immersive experience is the perfect choice for a quirky, memorable outing if you find yourself in Santa Fe.
The House of Eternal Rest is Meow Wolf’s New Mexico interactive exhibit (they also have locations in Las Vegas and Denver).
The immersive exhibits are designed to make you feel like you’re stepping into another world. Tickets for The House of Eternal Return are available online.
4. The Dragon Room
Here’s a fun choice when it comes to enjoying a drink in Santa Fe! The Dragon Room is one of the oldest bars in the city and sits in an adobe-style building.
It also features some unique decor, including trees growing through the building. In addition to great drinks, the Dragon Room also offers American dishes.
5. The White Place
The White Place is a great, lesser-known alternative to the more widely known White Sands National Park when it comes to unique, otherwordly feeling natural places in New Mexico.
This area is home to stunning sandstone cliffs that appear almost pure white. It’s located in southwest New Mexico, near the Arizona and Mexico borders.
6. Explore City Of Rocks State Park
Here’s another great option for enjoying the gorgeous outdoor scenery in the state!
City of Rocks State Park is located about forty minutes outside Silver City. It’s home to a number of giant rock formations that give it its name. It’s also home to a number of hiking trails and campsites.
7. Check Out The Rattlesnake Museum
The Rattlesnake Museum is a great option for those looking for a one-of-a-kind, quirky way to spend an afternoon.
This museum is dedicated to, you guessed it, all things rattlesnakes. Located in Albuquerque, the museum not only houses a huge amount of information about rattlesnakes but also a large collection of live rattlesnakes.
8. Take A Glass Blowing Class
Liquid light glass is a glass-blowing studio and gallery located in Santa Fe. However, this glassblowing gallery doesn’t just offer premade creations.
It also offers the chance for you to learn all about glassblowing firsthand and even create a piece of your own. The studio offers glassblowing classes, with no experience necessary.
Reservations can be made online.
